PUMPKIN SEED OIL
Cucurbita Pepo L.
As I was researching this lovely green or sometimes amber oil, I got the shock of my life, and I came to a realization that my whole life has been a lie! Okay that’s a little dramatic but I only found out a couple of days ago that Pumpkin is actually some fruit! What?! I know friend, I was just as shocked as you are right now (assuming you did not know), So naturally I had to dive deeper and find out more about this veget….oops fruit, well in its seed oil form is all about and see all it has to offer because if you are like me I like to go on TikTok and find out what the trendy girlies and dudes have to say about this oil and it seemed they have great things to say especially about its hair growing properties. Obviously, I had to go a step further than TikTok and find out for you and me why pumpkin seed oil has people going nuts, get it? because of its nutty scent, alright let’s get into it.
What is Pumpkin Seed Oil?
Scientific Name: Cucurbita Pepo
Pumpkins are grown and utilized for a variety of purposes all over the world. For example, we know that every year in America, pumpkins are used as decorations. In South Africa, pumpkins are a Sunday staple. Pumpkins are botanically related to melons, cantaloupes, squashes, gourds, gherkins and other cucurbits such as cucumber and zucchini and belong to the melon family (Cucurbitaceae). According to legend, this winter squash originated in North America, Canada, and Europe and now is widely grown in China and India. The seeds are advertised as popular snacks and are edible thanks to their high protein, magnesium and zinc contents.
Pumpkin seed oil comes from the seeds of the pumpkin. Pumpkin seed oil is a stable oil with a long shelf life; rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fatty acids, it is highly beneficial for skin and hair. Pumpkin seed oil is also a common cooking oil and supplement, which is considered a local delicacy in the region of Styria, Austria where it is called “green-gold” due to its characteristic color.
Pumpkin seed oil is a carrier oil with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties. It is valued for its skin-healing properties, due to the presence of the omega fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids in the pumpkin seed oil, which has a distinct aroma to it. This rejuvenating liquid has many desirable outcomes with respect to skin-aging and restoration. It also helps protect from sun damage and promotes shiny and healthy hair.
* This oil contains multiple nutrients which provide benefits for health and for skin, these include:
* Linoleic (Omega-6)
* Linolenic (Omega-3)
* Vitamin E
* Sterols
* Vitamin C
* Carotenoids (antioxidants)
* Zinc
* Magnesium
* Potassium
Technical Information of Pumpkin Seed Oil:
Shelf Life: 12-14 months
Color: green or amber
Comedogenic Rating: 2
Absorption Rate: Readily Absorbed
Saponification Value: 188-198
Iodine Value: 101-103
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed
Scent: Nutty smell
Safety: Safe for most
Allergies: pumpkins
Botanical Family: Cucurbitaceae
pH Level: 4
Solubility: Oil soluble
Origin: Austria
Edible: Yes
Fatty Acids Composition of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pumpkin seed oil has high levels of unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic, which greatly benefit heart health. It also moderates blood sugar levels. The oil contains phytosterols, which block cholesterol absorption, thereby decreasing its levels in the blood. It is rich in carotenoids, which in addition to imparting its characteristic red color, is also an antioxidant that protects human cells against inflammation and damage.
Pumpkin seed oil has a versatility and ease to it that makes it possible for it to be incorporated in a wide range of skin and hair care formulations. It contains high amounts of zinc, selenium, and vitamin E and the unsaturated fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and linoleic) in the oil containing antioxidant properties correct skin inflammation and promote healing and skin cell growth.
Here’s a look at the Fatty Acid Profile of Pumpkin Seed Oil:
Mystiric Acid (C14:0) <2 %
Palmitic Acid (C16:0) 7-16%
Palmitoleic Acid (C16:1) 7-14%
Stearic Acid (C18:0) 3-8 %
Oleic Acid ( C18:1) 15-41 %
Linoleic Acid (C18:2) 40-65 %
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (C18:3) <1.0 %
KEY PROPERTIES
Potassium
Zinc
Manganese
Selenium
Copper
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Calcium
Omega-3
Omega-6
What is Pumpkin Seed Oil Used For?
Pumpkin Seed Oil is an incredibly versatile oil that is associated with an array of health benefits as it contains various important nutrients. Valued for its skin healing properties, pumpkin seed oil has been very popular in Europe for centuries. It has many desirable outcomes with respect to skin-aging and restoration and, due to the presence of the omega fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids in the pumpkin seed oil, it has a distinct aroma to it.
As a carrier oil, pumpkin seed oil blends well with essential oils and is suitable for most skin types. It also moisturizes and rejuvenates skin through essential oil formulations, helps protect from sun damage and promotes shiny and healthy hair. The versatility and ease of Pumpkin seed oil makes it possible to be incorporated within a wide range of skin, hair, body care formulations as well as culinary use.
Skin Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Rich in nutrients
This oil contains high amounts of zinc, selenium and vitamin E that help with skin renewal and improved skin tone. Zinc helps balance the production of oil in the skin. Vitamin E protects skin from the effects of stress and aging. Also, the fatty acids penetrate into deeper levels of the skin to hydrate and moisturize, keeping the skin fresh and moist.
Helps boosts the production of collagen
The vitamin C in the oil helps the production of collagen that retain skin elasticity while also plumping and building firmness of the skin. Suitable for most skin types, the unsaturated fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids) in the oil containing antioxidant properties correct skin inflammation and promote healing and new skin cell growth.
Soothes skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
Pumpkin seed oil’s nourishing and conditioning qualities are known to benefit those with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The vitamin B2 in the oil is great for dryness and acne, also bringing about an improved skin tone and radiance of the skin. In addition to the fatty acids, pumpkin seed oil is rich in vitamin E and carotenoids that help your skin look visibly younger.
Anti-Aging Properties
Pumpkin seed oil is highly beneficial for healthy and young-looking skin. The high levels of vitamin C in the oil helps repair sagginess and firms up the skin. The antioxidants of the vitamin A present in the oil protects the skin from sun damage, and the soothing and smoothing effects of the oil even out age-related blemishes and wrinkles.
Reduces free radicals
Vitamin C and E are potent antioxidants which help protect the skin against environmental stressors by reducing free radicals. It is rich in carotenoids, which in addition to imparting its characteristic red color, is also an antioxidant that helps protect the human cells against inflammation and damage. The essential fatty acids penetrate the skin to maintain and increase moisture levels, without leaving a greasy residue. Combined with the antioxidant properties they help maintain a youth appearance.
Hair Benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pre-poo Treatment
For shiny and healthy locks, you can use pumpkin seed oil as a pre-poo treatment by applying it to your scalp a few times a month. Try mixing pumpkin seed oil with equal parts of your favorite hair nourishing oil like castor oil or coconut oil and a few drops hair-loving essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint or tea tree and massage it into your scalp, leave it for 20 minutes or overnight before cleansing with shampoo and conditioner.
Pumpkin seed oil treats baldness
Pumpkin is often used as a hair growth supplement, in one study 75 men with hair loss took 400mg of pumpkin seed oil per day for 24 weeks, where the other group took placebos. By the end of the study, those who took pumpkin seed oil reported higher scores in hair loss improvements and four times more hair growth than those in the placebo group. In another study, the study showed that applying pumpkin seed oil topically increased hair growth in mice after 3 weeks.
Use as a Hot Oil Treatment
For its moisturizing and nourishing properties, pumpkin seed oil can be applied directly on the scalp, and it is best used as a hot oil treatment. You can make a pumpkin seed oil hot oil treatment recipe with your favorite oil, herb, essential oil (e.g., fenugreek, basil, olive oil, peppermint and rosemary oil) of choice. And then you are going to shampoo your hair per normal, afterwards you are going to heat your oil via a double boiler method. You are then going to massage the warm not hot oil into your scalp and wrap your hair with a heated/warm towel and let it sit for 10-20 minutes and you will wash it all off with shampoo and conditioner again and style your hair.
Promotes Hair Growth
Some scientific theories support pumpkin seed oil for hair loss prevention. One scientific theory for pumpkin seed oil works for hair loss is that the oil’s phytosterols promote hair growth. Supposedly, phytosterols could block enzymes and hormones in your scalp that cause hair loss. This would mean phytosterol-in rich pumpkin seed oil might help.
Internal use and other health benefits of Pumpkin Seed Oil
Improves heart health
Several studies have found that pumpkin seed oil could be beneficial for heart health. Pumpkin seed oil has high levels of unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid, which greatly benefit heart health. It also moderates blood sugar levels, the oil contains phytosterols which block cholesterol absorption, thereby decreasing its levels in the blood. A 2011 study showed that supplementing with pumpkin seed oil increased HDL (good cholesterol) in 35 postmenopausal women.
Supports urinary tract health
People with overactive bladders often experience discomfort while urinating, which impacts their quality of life. Studies have shown that treatment with pumpkin seed oil can improve these symptoms. One study in 45 people showed that consuming 10 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 weeks reduced symptoms of overactive bladder.
Some research suggests that pumpkin seed oil could also help treat other urinary tract issues. Men with prostate hyperplasia or a benign prostate gland enlargement commonly present with decreased urine flow. Studies show that treatment with pumpkin seed oil improved their urine flow and reduced the amount of prostate specific antigen.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Substitutes
Coconut Oil- Just like pumpkin seed oil, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, minerals, vitamins and it nourishes and moisturizes the hair and scalp deeply.
Sesame seed Oil- Sesame seed oil is another oil that high recommended for its hair growth abilities and contains vitamins and fatty acids that promote healthy hair and skin.
Avocado Oil- Avocado oil is high in antioxidants that help remove toxins from the body and guard cells against damage
Saw Palmetto Oil- A 2016 study has shown that saw palmetto worked the same way as pumpkin seed oil when it comes to phytosterols and how they help with hair loss
Sweet Almond Oil- Sweet Almond oil is an oil rich in fatty acids and vitamins and is well balanced for both skin and hair use like pumpkin seed oil.
Pumpkin Seed Oil Safety and Side Effects
Pumpkin seed oil is generally considered safe and associated with few side effects when used in moderation. Although in very rare cases some people may be allergic to pumpkin seed oil and experience adverse symptoms after applying the oil topically or consuming it. Should you experience any alarming reactions or discomfort while using the oil, it is best to discontinue use immediately. You should always consult a health practioner or do a patch test before use. Also, always consider any underlying health conditions.
Environmental Benefits and Sustainability
Pumpkin seed oil is considered to be relatively sustainable, as it does no harm to the air, water, land, soil etc. during its production. That is why it is considered a plant-based oil as long as pesticides have not been used. Be sure to always buy the non- GMO/organic pumpkin seed oil.
In my research, I found that many people adore pumpkin seed oil, especially for its hair growth benefits, and I couldn't agree more. I found that it's best used in leave-in treatments such as hair masks or hot oil treatment for you to get the best results. I hope you learned and enjoyed this blog post and that you will go out and try this amazing oil for yourself, but do not forget to get back and tell us all about your experience.
Let us know in the comment section, what you think of this oil and if you have ever used it, share your experience with this oil.
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